Winter Blues

I have the blues
You have the blues
We all have the blues
That old winter blues

What are the blues - specifically the winter blues?

According to research studies, the winter blues is a form of depression that takes effect during the late fall through the winter season. In addition, studies show that 4 to 6% of the US population suffers from seasonal depression. Furthermore, 10-20% suffer from a mild case of winter blues. Interestingly,the majority of those who suffer from the winter blues are women ages 20-40 years old. However, the winter blues has also affected children and adolescents. So while many are happy for the white fluffy snow, planning ski trips, snowboarding or ice skating and all of the winter season activities, others are not so delighted. In fact, they may become depressed.

The culprit?

Although it is not known what is exactly responsible for the winter blues, there are many factors that are associated with the winter blues. One factor that is most common is the daylight change period. The lack of sunlight, not to mention the warmth that goes along with it, creates a lethargic, low level energy.

Melatonin is responsible for sleep and waking cycles. Serotonin has a broader role as it is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for mood, hunger, and sleep. Needless to say, as daylight savings ends the hours of sunlight decreases. it is at this point, the winter blues kicks in gear and the mood changes begin. It really takes it's toll on the way one who suffers of the winter blues respond to things. They do not want to socialize, they are tired and cannot wait to get home to relax. In fact, the winter blues may even affect the ability to concentrate.

Do I have the winter blues or do I just prefer to stay out of the cold?

Well, do you feel the need to hibernate - do you want to sleep and wake up in the springtime? Do you just prefer to be left alone until it's spring? Then most likely you are suffering from the winter blues.

Any Good News?

Here's the good news, there are various forms of therapies that may help you overcome the winter blues:

Light Therapy - normal light fixtures emits 250 to 500 lux on the other hand,light boxes emit high intensities of light of 2,500 to 10,000 lux and produce similar effects to the sun’s natural rays and as a result the mood is improved.

Sleep Strategies - get to bed early and wake up in time to enjoy the sunlight hours

Eating Plan - increase portions of complex carbohydrates, like pasta and rice, and healthy simple carbohydrates like fruits and fruit juices during meals, and avoid those unhealthy snacks. Unhealthy snacks are a quick fix of pleasure that will ultimately decrease your energy.

Burning Calories Plan - exercise it enhances your mood and boosts your energy

The Very Last Plan - Medication should be the very last resort and it should be administered by a health care professional who has evaluated your complaints. If it is determined that the other methods would not work for you - then this is the option.

Spring is on the way - hang on in there.

Children Facing Adult Diseases – Who is Responsible?

The reports and statistics are out. The percentage of children who are overweight has doubled over the past 30 years. It is neither a surprise nor a secret – we see it with our own eyes. As our society has made great progress over the years in many areas of health, our children now face a major set back as they are diagnosed with diseases. These diseases once reserved for adults have moved into the younger generation. This means that our children and their children may lead unhealthy lives – living with diseases.

As a result, new chronic diseases have emerged while others will be prevalent through adulthood:

• Type 2 diabetes
  

• Hypertension

• Hyperlipidemia

• Coronary Diseases

• Stroke

• Sleep related breathing disruptions

Who is Responsible?

We all are – parents, educators, physicians, nutritionists, family members and friends. The responsibility is upon the adults who play a role in a child’s life. The consumption of junk food, high caloric drinks, chips, cookies, and other snacks at large portions.We are responsible for teaching and leading by example. Do you have any fruits on your table/refrigerator? Are your cupboards filled with potato chips, cookies, candies, popcorn, etc.? Are you giving in to your child's request for fast food/takeout rather than cooking a nutritious meal?

I can recall as a child when we would go out shopping with my parents, we would ask to go to McDonalds, Burger King or Kentucky Fried Chicken. My parents would tell us to wait until we get home where they would then prepare a tuna sandwich or a peanut butter with jelly sandwich and we would enjoy it with a glass of milk. Our snacks would include an apple, pear, peach, plum orange, banana or some other fruit - and we really enjoyed it. Of course we enjoyed a slice of cake, cookies, ice cream or jello from time to time - it was our dessert. We especially looked forward to our Sunday dinners as it would be the treat after our meal.

The key to our intake was that our parents monitored our consumption. We also burned a lot of energy while playing with our family and friends. We would jump rope, play hop scotch, dodge ball, base ball, soft ball, roller skate, tag etc. Our children have computers (my space, facebook, twitter) video games that are also hand held (sitting and playing) hundreds of cable channels (VH1, MTV, BET) just in one position occupied for hours. While they sit around, they snack on chips, soda, cookies, ice cream, etc. As a result, the combination of sitting around and eating creates quite a problem.

Get your child actively involved in some form of physical activity. Do not depend only on the physical educational courses within their schools - get them involved in sports, dancing, jogging, etc.

Their future depends heavily on their present - you want the best for them - including their health. Can we blame the fast food restaurants? I would say no. The businesses are taking care of what they do - business. It's time for us as parents to take care of what we do - parenting - our business.